As for what Muhammad ibn Jarir (al-Tabari) relates from Ahmad ibn Hanbal—that whoever says, “My utterance of the Quran is uncreated” is an innovator—his intent was that the early scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah never discussed the question of “utterance,” for their circumstances did not require it. Speech about utterance was introduced only by people of excessive speculation and foolishness, who brought forth novelties, flouted the prohibitions against misguidance and blameworthy doctrines, and plunged into matters the early imams of Islam had never addressed. Hence the Imam declared that this very formula is an innovation; anyone committed to the sunnah should abandon it, utter neither it nor anything similar among newly-invented claims, and restrict himself to what the early, exemplary imams affirmed: “The Quran is the speech of Allah, uncreated,” adding only the anathematization of whoever says it is created. (1) Not found in the T manuscript. (2) Not found in the H manuscript. (3) Surah al-Nisa (4): 164. (4) In the Q manuscript an incomplete, unreadable word follows the verse; the H manuscript has the phrase “minhu ilayh” (from Him to him), whereas the T manuscript reads “min fihi” (from His mouth). I note that the wording “min fihi” found in Tabaqat al-Hanabila lacks any supporting evidence and is probably borrowed from the People of the Book. Allah knows best. (5) This expression is reported from Kaʿb al-Ahbar—may Allah have mercy on him—by al-Tabarani in al-Sunnah and by Abu Shaykh; see al-Durr al-Manthur of al-Suyuti, 6/88. No sound chain raises it to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.